This blood obstruction, called a “fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy”, depletes the oxygen supply to the spinal cord, and the cells in the spine begin to malfunction and die off. This leads to limb paralysis and neurological damage. The effects of the obstruction will vary depending on where it is located. Damage to the portion of the spinal cord in the neck will lead to front limb problems, whereas damage to the area between the shoulder blades will affect the back limbs. One side of the body is often affected more than the other. Cases range greatly in severity. Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathies tend to happen during times of physical activity, and occur more often in middle-aged cats. The damage to the nervous system in the first 24 hours after the blockage may be permanent.
A cat's spine is composed of vertebrae (bones) which are held together by intervertebral discs that allow slight movement and absorb shocks to the spine. These discs are made up of fibrocartilaginous material, which is a combination of cartilage and collagen. The collagen makes the cartilage more flexible. In some instances, this fibrocartilaginous material can break off of the disc and enter into the bloodstream. Once in the blood, it is capable of causing full obstructions in the blood vessels, creating a stroke-like reaction to the spinal cord.